Why Masturbation is Haram In Islam!

Upon all the questions I get from all over, there is this one common question that never interests me to answer. It begins with the “M” letter. I know you already know it’s masturbation!

Well, it interests me now as I seem not to find a very clear answer on the internet that seekers are looking for.

I would like to take the easy approach and just say “If in doubt, please don’t do it”. That’s one of my favorite hadith though, reported by Hasan Ibn Ali that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him said:

“Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt.” – Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 2581

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Leave what makes you doubt for what doesn’t make you doubt. Truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt.”” quote=”“Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt.” – Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 2581″ theme=”style3″]

You can only find goodness in a peace of mind. As for doubts, it comes only with evil. May Allah Protect us!

This might seem a little personal, but I must admit that I like this particular hadith so much. The first time I read it on my phone app I was awesomely filled with excitement of its wisdom.

The fact is that many of us masturbate and feel horribly guilty about it. This is my first answer for you if you wonder whether masturbation can be practiced in Islam. Guilt feelings naturally come when you feel you did something wrong.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Guilt is a gift from Allah warning you that what you are doing is violating your soul – Nouman Ali Khan” quote=”Guilt is a gift from Allah warning you that what you are doing is violating your soul – Nouman Ali Khan” theme=”style2″]

We agonized so much about this act and finally pleaded with Allah. But then we’d find ourselves, again and again, falling into the same act. Can’t you notice the signs of Satan in this?

As we all should know, Satan will only push you do commit something which will destroy you unnoticed. Beware!

Masturbation is only triggered as a result of lust. And we all should know that sin is a result of lust (wrong selfish desire). This fact alone forms the primary basis for making things clear.

“Those who have knowledge are the quickest of people to understand the truth and believe in it.” (Quran al-Hajj 22:54 )

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Those who have knowledge are the quickest of people to understand the truth and believe in it.”” quote=”“Those who have knowledge are the quickest of people to understand the truth and believe in it.” (Quran al-Hajj 22:54 )”]

Now let’s think together on this verse that warns us not to come near unlawful sexual intercourse.

First of all, ask yourself these two questions;

What is unlawful sexual intercourse?

And what influences this unlawful act?

Obviously, I think we all know their answers, but let’s revise on what we already knew to the second question, what influences unlawful sexual intercourse?

The general answer is SATAN! But through what means does he do that. He fills our minds with lustful thoughts. Satan will influence you to lust sexually about almost everyone. This is a serious matter to ponder.

These thoughts then influence you physically, leading you to do something you shouldn’t have done, such as rape, fornication/adultery, and masturbation.

Now let’s highlight the reason why masturbation is also a sin in Islam just like fornication, rape or adultery.

First of all, lust is the source of our sins!

Lust will compel you to commit fornication!

Lust will compel you to commit adultery!

Lust will compel you to commit rape!

Lust will compel you to masturbate!!!

Can you now see the connection? If not, let’s also put it this way:

Allah mentioned in the Glorious Quran that we should never come near unlawful sexual intercourse. So if you are lusting sexually over people who aren’t lawful to you, it means you are approaching unlawful sex, which means you are disobeying this verse of the Holy Quran. Remember what it says, “Don’t come near”.

[clickToTweet tweet=”And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” Quran- 17:32″ quote=”And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” Quran- 17:32″ theme=”style5″]

Now, lusting sexually is a sin and it leads to bigger sins like fornication, rape, and adultery. It also leads to masturbation making it also a sin. If what leads to something is a sin, then it is obvious that the thing it leads to is a sin as well, simple as that!

Moreover, masturbation is contrary to Allah’s plan for sexuality to be self-giving with love. As an act of self-pleasure focused on lust, masturbation cheats both the individual and the spouse or future spouse out of the powerful potential that Allah built into human sexuality.

We all know that intimacy was created to draw us into lawful relationships. The goal of masturbation is to drive pleasure to oneself, basically outside of relationship. For this reason, don’t you think that masturbation is selfish and misusing the gift of sex?

Can one masturbate to avoid Zina?

Regarding this particular question, a well-written answer has been answered on Islamqa, let’s just read from there Insha-Allah:

Masturbation is only permitted if a person fears that he may end up committing Zina; no doubt the prohibition on Zina is more emphatic, and it is more abhorrent and reprehensible. Hence it is permissible to commit the lesser of two evils so as to ward off the greater.

Ar-Ruhaybaani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: If a person, man or woman, masturbates with no need to do so, that action is haram and he should be given a disciplinary punishment for it, because it is a sin. But if he does it because he fears falling into Zina or homosexuality, or because he fears physical harm, then there is no punishment.

End quote from Mataalib Ooli an-Nuha Sharh Ghaayat al-Muntaha, 6/226

Al-Mirdaawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

We learn two things from this:

That masturbation is not permissible except in cases of necessity

The ruling for women on that matter is the same as the ruling for men, if a woman fears falling into Zina.

This is the correct view, as stated in al-Furoo‘.

End quote from al-Insaaf, 10/252

To make things simple, I will say, if one’s desire is so overwhelming one might perform masturbation but in that case, it will be like eating the flesh of a pig to survive from major hunger or starvation when no other food is available.

Imam Shafi’i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, – for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” 23.5-7

Here the verses are clear in forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except for the wives or that their right hand possess. And whoever seeks beyond that is the transgressor.

“And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty.” 24.33. This verse also clearly orders whoever does not have the financial means to marry to keep himself chaste and be patient in facing temptations (including masturbation) until Allah enriches them of His bounty.

Secondly, from the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him):

Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood said, “We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allah’s Messenger said, “O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power.” Bukhari:5066. The hadeeth orders men who are not able to marry to fast despite the hardship encountered in doing so, and not to masturbate despite the ease with which it can be done.

There are additional evidences that can be cited to support this ruling on masturbation, but due to the limited space we will not go through them here. Allah knows what is best and most correct.

So stop masturbation and turn to Allah. He alone understands our questions and struggles. Even in issues so embarrassing like masturbation, don’t be afraid to turn to him and ask for his forgiveness, specific direction, and wisdom.

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7 Comments

I read your article in your blog on masturbation and it is sad to note that you blindly quote from deviated individuals like Nouman ali khan who gives deviated interpretation of the Quran stating thet the mushriks are muslims. I am planning to publish an article Insha Allah on this indiviual. Your quotation of Nouman ali khan tells everything of your aqeada. You say that you are a student of knowledge. So am I and I have done extensive research on this subject. You asked for me for evidence from scholars. Let me quote the opinion of the biggest alim of them all that is Ibn Abbas(rali).
In the book of Ibn hazm’s muhalla vol11, pp 393-4, Ibn abbas (rali) allowed masturbation and did not say that it is makrooh like you do . He said
“Marrying a slave girl is better than it, and it is better than fornication”
He also said in the muhalla that
” it is nothing but rubbing your private parts until fluid comes out”
This is how ibn abbas(rali) allowed masturbation.

Regarding the hadith of Ibn abbas(rali)deliking masturbation is a weak hadith.

“One person came and asked him about masturbation and he turned in dislike and and said, “Marrying a slave girl is better than that, and it is better than fornication.”
(Narrated by abdur razzaq in his musannaf and in Nasai and Imam nasai declared it to be mursal(incomplete isnad and declared it daif-weak)

I hope this is enough for evidence as quoting from other scholars is not needed because I have clearly proven from the word of the prophet(sal) that masturbation is not haram. I challenge you to bring a single clear evidence from the Quran or sahih hadth to prove that masturbation is haram. Even for the sake of argument if we except that the scholars declared masturbation as haram. It won’t become haram because Islam is not based on the opinions of scholars, it is based on the Quran and the authentic sunnah of the messenger(sal). I read your blog article and it is nothing but a perennial argument put forward by everyone by misqouting Quranic verses and hadiths. I have clearly refuted all of them in my article and there is no room for these arguments to be brought forward. Your evidence from the Quranic verses have nothing to do with masturbation and won’t prove anything. You give me a clear proof and do not fool yourself and others by cherry picking and taking the Quranic verses and hadiths out of context. I hope this is a fitting reply to anti masturbationists like you who are arrogant to accept the merciful gift of Allah that is MASTURBATION. I will keep on writing and defending masturbation and let this article break the false barrier that has plagued this ummah for centuries.
Awaiting a reply from you.

First of all I would like to deny the fact that you said I’ve quoted from Nouman Ali Khan regarding this matter. His quote was merely an inspirational one. I think your dislike for him is influencing your judgment. Let’s not talk about him here!

Now coming back to your evidence and sources, you are completely quoting out of context. All that which you stated are right though, but you left out certain things to conclude things for yourself. You know it isn’t fair.

Before preparing this post, I had gone through all the evidence you are citing, I already read through everything you said. But to my surprise, bellow is what you left out:

At best, masturbation can be termed as an undesirable act similar in nature to the emotions of anger and hate. Such emotions are generally against good conduct, and a person should try to control them as much as possible. However, there may be situations when they may play a somewhat positive role — especially when they save you from a sin.

This is enough to refute all your claims and evidence.

But, you seem not to understand what is meant by hadith. Let me help you with that. A hadith is a collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad (SAW) which, with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunna), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Koran.

And this evidence you just quoted is nothing but someone’s opinion. And this someone, no matter how knowledgeable he was, can never be compared to Allah’s messenger. So stop associating people with the Holy.

What I just want you to understand is that the evidence you stated is his personal judgment, it isn’t based on any hadith or Quran. And the evidence I stated is clearly stated, it’s just that you fail to understand. That’s OK, I don’t blame you. That’s what you think though, but I’m afraid it might be Satan making you think you are right. Satan can do more than that. BEWARE!

So far as I know, you are the only one on the web legalizing masturbation straight forward without given any conditions. What do you think of all the scholars? Do you think they don’t know what they are doing? To an extent that you said one can masturbate during Ramadan? Subhanallah!

How I wish I could make you understand the meaning of what you are doing!

After I gave you the evidence for Ibn Abbas rali supporting masturbation. Now you dismiss it has his personal opinion. You are self contradicting yourself. You are again asking how come I am greater than the scholars. Let us leave aside the scholarly opinions because I have clearly answered you question in my earlier reply. You said that I missed out on something by quoting the below text from your blog.

“At best, masturbation can be termed as an undesirable act similar in nature to the emotions of anger and hate. Such emotions are generally against good conduct, and a person should try to control them as much as possible. However, there may be situations when they may play a somewhat positive role — especially when they save you from a sin”.

What I can say is this is your personal opinion. This has nothing to do with Islam or science. Modern science has proven that masturbation is not an undesirable act in nature. You also said that I had said that masturbation won’t break the sawm (fasting). I have given all the evidence in my article from the sahih hadith. Sheikh Albani the muhaddith of this era was also in this view. I kindly urge you to accept masturbation has a gift from Allah and masturbate because you will be rewarded InshaAllah

You have also mentioned that lust is Satan and a sin. You have clearly cherry picked this nonsense by reading Christian and mormon opinions. For you to have sex with your spouse you need lust. From where are you taking this? Dear brother do not be gathered upon yourself accept masturbation.

Again, something that both The Holy Prophet and the Holy Quran have mentioned, you are denying it and said those are nothing but the opinions of Christians?

I can see you like picking information out of context. If indeed you read my post very well, I clearly stated that seeking sexual pleasure out of lawful relationship. I am not referring to married couples.

Sexual lust or desires are necessary for the human life. Nobody would get married in the first place if sexual desires did not exist because married life has it is ups and downs. For this, there must be a desire. So sexual desire is necessary for the continuation of human life.

But upon all its importance for human, unlawfully seeking it wrong as stated in the Holy Quran. (17:32)

So CJ. Ahmed, I wasn’t quoting anything out of Islam. It’s in your Quran if you really have one, and it is in mine too.

The prophet Also enjoins us to get married to escape this temptation. He also said that if we cannot afford marriage then we should fast as a shield for us. (Al-Bukhari 5065 and Muslim (1400).

Our Holy Prophet being so wise saw that fasting weakens desire and reduces it, so he recommended it over any other way.

But your recommendation of masturbation will worsen things. You do not pursue the problem wholeheartedly to the end; rather you strengthen it again in this way.

I now understand you fully as you have a closed mind on this. I need peace; I am not blogging to argue. I am blogging to spread Islam.

But my main problem with you is that you think this shameful act is right. Then practice it, and do not drag innocent people to it.

If people don’t practice it, there is nothing to lose. But if they practice it and it turns out to be wrong on the day of judgment, all of them shall come to you. Think about it, Bro.

That’s why the Prophet (pbuh) said; “Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt.” – Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 2581

Now it’s up to you to make your decision. I consider you my brother, and I love you so much. I just thought you needed to be corrected, that’s why I reached out to you. I didn’t mean any harm. So don’t be offended, take things easy, think over things, and take your decision.

May Allah grant each and every one of us knowledge that is beneficial!

I never said that the Quran does not talk about lust. I never came across a verse in the Quran which says lust is shaytan. Shaytan threatens with lust is a fact but all forms of lust is not shaytan. It is the jews and christians who argue that masturbation is a lustful thing. You said that fasting is what the prophet (sal) told us to do. Fasting is only a sunnah and it is not to be forced upon on people. The hadith you mentioned has nothing to do with masturbation. Marriage is the best option then fasting is the second best option. Masturbation is jaiz and it is also a good option to control desires. If you want to fast, then fast it good and at the same time while fasting also masturbate because masturbation won’t break your fast. You also told that I will be accountable in the yaw mul qiyama for telling people to masturbate. Then according to you Ibn Abbas(rali) will also be questioned is that what you are trying to say? Dear brother, you also will be held to be accountable by Allah for promoting the false lie that masturbation is haram. beware. You quoted the hadith
“Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt.
I can say clearly without any doubt that masturbation is not a thing that is doubtful. Masturbation is a silent thing in Islam which authomatically makes it permissible. My kind advice to you brother is to be with an open mind and change your attitude towards masturbation.
I would like to kindly ask you why you are so against masturbation when there is no clear evidence from the Quran or Sunnah prohibiting it? You have being poisoned and brainwashed. May Allah give you wizdom and understanding of the true teachings of Islam.